The Silent Spy: 9 Popular Kids' Games Secretly Selling Their Data

That colorful, harmless-looking game on your child’s tablet might be doing more than keeping them entertained. Behind the music, rewards, and cartoon avatars, many kids’ games are collecting personal information and sharing it with third-party advertisers. These apps often bury the truth in lengthy privacy policies, counting on parents not to dig too deep. But data tracking isn’t just a minor privacy issue—it can expose your child to targeted ads, identity risks, and ongoing surveillance. Knowing which kids’ games secretly sell their data is the first step in protecting your child’s digital footprint and giving you peace of mind.

1. My Talking Tom

This cute, talking cat app is wildly popular, but it’s also one of the kids’ games secretly selling their data. While it entertains with mimicry and dressing-up features, it collects a surprising amount of user data. This includes device identifiers, location data, and behavioral tracking. The game has been criticized for vague privacy policies and not being upfront about how much data it shares with third parties. Despite its appeal, it’s worth thinking twice before letting your child interact with Tom.

2. Roblox

Roblox is a major platform where kids build and play games created by others, but it doesn’t come without risk. The app tracks user data for advertising and monetization purposes and has faced scrutiny over how it handles user privacy. While it includes parental controls, many parents are unaware of how much background data collection is happening. From avatars to chat logs, plenty of identifiable information can be stored and shared. If your child uses Roblox, take time to review and tighten the app’s privacy settings.

3. Subway Surfers

Subway Surfers is a fast-paced runner game with bright colors and addictive gameplay, making it a favorite among kids. However, it has been flagged for collecting extensive amounts of data, including precise location tracking. The app shares this information with advertisers, even when users don’t realize it’s happening. This kind of tracking opens the door to hyper-targeted ads and long-term profiling. It’s one of the clearest examples of kids’ games secretly selling their data without obvious warning.

4. Magic Tiles 3

This musical tapping game may look innocent, but it’s another data-hungry app targeting kids. Magic Tiles 3 collects device information, usage patterns, and location data, often without clear permission. These details are then handed off to advertising partners, many of which operate globally. Because the game has minimal content oversight, it combines both privacy risks and questionable in-game ads. If your child enjoys rhythm games, consider safer alternatives with stricter data protections.

5. Angry Birds 2

The Angry Birds franchise has long been a hit with kids, but its data practices have been equally long criticized. Angry Birds 2 collects everything from usage habits to in-app behaviors and shares them with multiple ad networks. The game’s monetization model relies heavily on behavioral tracking, which directly influences the ads your child sees. Even without logging in, gameplay behavior can be tied to a unique device ID. Parents should know that this game has become more about data than just flying birds.

6. Fun Kid Racing

This simple racing game might look like a safe pick for young kids, but it’s a surprising entry among kids’ games secretly selling their data. The app tracks your child’s usage and shares data with third-party ad services—many of which aren’t child-focused. Additionally, the in-game ads are often not age-appropriate, exposing young players to marketing that doesn’t match their maturity level. Apps like these highlight how data tracking often comes wrapped in harmless-looking packages.

7. Princess Salon

Princess-themed games are a go-to for many young kids, but Princess Salon crosses the line when it comes to privacy. It’s been cited by watchdog groups for excessive data collection and sharing practices. The app gathers user behavior, device identifiers, and browsing habits, then hands that data off to advertisers. Despite its sweet and sparkly interface, it’s a behind-the-scenes data trap. Parents should be cautious of beauty and fashion games that overreach into personal privacy.

8. Candy Crush Soda Saga

This puzzle game is as addicting as it is data-hungry. While it markets itself to all ages, Candy Crush Soda Saga tracks user patterns aggressively for ad targeting. It stores interaction habits, time spent playing, and even payment attempts—data that’s valuable to marketers. The app also requires permissions that can expose more of your device than you’d expect from a casual game. It’s a reminder that even well-known brands can be major culprits in sharing kids’ gaming data.

9. Talking Angela

Talking Angela, much like its cousin Talking Tom, has long faced rumors and controversy over privacy issues. While some of the creepier myths have been debunked, it’s true that the game collects and sells personal data. This includes everything from voice recordings to browsing habits if permissions are granted. The app markets to kids but doesn’t always handle their data with the care you’d expect. It’s another example of a friendly face hiding a digital trail.

Digital Fun Shouldn’t Come at the Cost of Privacy

As entertaining as these games may be, the reality is that many kids’ games secretly selling their data prioritize ad revenue over safety. Children can’t understand the risks of data tracking, and many parents don’t realize what permissions they’ve approved. The best defense is awareness—review privacy settings, choose apps with certified kid-safe standards, and avoid games that don’t clearly disclose their data practices. By taking control now, you can ensure playtime stays fun, safe, and private.

Have you ever been shocked by the data practices of a game your child plays? Share your experience or trusted kid-safe apps in the comments below.

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Catherine Reed

Catherine is a tech-savvy writer who has focused on the personal finance space for more than eight years. She has a Bachelor’s in Information Technology and enjoys showcasing how tech can simplify everyday personal finance tasks like budgeting, spending tracking, and planning for the future. Additionally, she’s explored the ins and outs of the world of side hustles and loves to share what she’s learned along the way. When she’s not working, you can find her relaxing at home in the Pacific Northwest with her two cats or enjoying a cup of coffee at her neighborhood cafe.